by Adam Zorzi
“He missed the part about my being way over twenty-one with a mind of my own. He talked to me like I was about twelve and had been caught with stolen hubcaps.”
“Are you comparing me to hubcaps?” purred Bella.
“No. That's the tone he used with me. It was insulting.” He was pissed that his father had spoken to him as though he'd been a naughty child. Growing up, Dan and his father had rarely clashed. Rob was the daring one who occasionally got into trouble. Having his father voice objections about his life now was infantilizing. He'd taken a long run after his parents left. Ever since Mørk came into his life, Dan ran to lessen anxiety and irritability—two hallmarks of his illness.
“Oh, Daniel, just put it behind you. He shouldn't have interfered. He's the one who should be ashamed, not you.”
Dan tightened his grip on the phone. “I told him I was going to get a divorce.” There was silence on the other end. “Did you hear what I said?” he asked.
“Daniel, you don't have to do that,” she said softly. “I don't need to be married to you to love you.”
“Bella, I want to be with you every day and every night. I ache for you. I hate that we live apart. I want to marry you. It's been almost a year. It's time.” He sighed in frustration. Deep breathing or one long exhale was another technique he'd learn to battle Mørk.
“We'll be together for Thanksgiving. That will be lovely, won't it? Long walks in the woods, lighted fires, and lots of red wine.”
He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and pictured the two of them. He desperately wanted to be with her for four full days. Forever.
“It sounds perfect. I can't wait for my wife and Katie to leave tomorrow for her parents' house. I'll have one night alone and then an entire weekend with you.”
“Heaven,” she whispered.
He rushed to tell her his plan. “I'm going to tell her about the divorce tomorrow afternoon before she and Katie leave for Charleston. She'll have the weekend to adjust and I'll have a clear conscience. No more hiding.”
He heard a sharp intake of breath.
“Bella?”
“Daniel, is that a good idea?” Her voice stirred his heart. Bella trained as a classical pianist and singer. Her voice had colors and nuance that could make him weep. She didn't speak when they were intimate. She sang.
“Don't you want me to tell her?” He was hurt that she wasn't enthusiastic.
“I mean the timing, Daniel. Do you think she might cancel the trip to her parents to stay and talk things out with you?”
That thought had never crossed his mind. He stood and paced the office.
“No. The plane tickets are non-refundable. She has to go.” He was adamant.
“You know best.” The question in her voice hung between them.
“What do you mean?”
“Daniel, if I were in that position I wouldn't let a couple of air fares stand between me and my marriage. In fact, I'd put Katie on the plane to see her grandparents and stay to save my marriage.”
Huh. He sat and massaged his temples. He'd never considered that.
“My wife wouldn't do that. She doesn't think like you. She'll stick to the plan.”
Surely, she would. She wouldn't let her parents down and she'd probably think Katie was too young to fly alone, even if it was just a short hop to Charleston. His stomach lurched. What if Jill wouldn't go?
“How did we get on this depressing topic, Daniel? Tell me what you're wearing. Piece by piece by piece….”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jill had to go to Charleston. The tickets were non-refundable. At ten, Katie was still too young to fly alone according to Jill. Katie would think it was weird to go alone, especially at the last minute. The Carters, particularly Jill's mother, will badger Katie about why the plans changed. What would he and Jill do other than argue for the weekend? Where would they eat Thanksgiving dinner? Rob and Suzanne were visiting their son and his fiancée in Chicago. Would they eat at a restaurant? Would they even eat together?
A sharp bark from Abbie brought Dan's attention back to the present. He was running too fast for Abbie to keep up. He realized they'd reached the halfway point of his usual route in the park near his home.
“Sorry, Abbie.” Dan bent to pet her head. He checked for labored breathing, but found none. She wasn't even panting. She looked at him with those big brown eyes as if to say what's the rush. She'd probably seen a squirrel she might have chased if Dan hadn't been running so fast and oblivious to everything outside his head.
“I'll get you a drink, sweetheart.” He pulled Abbie's portable water dish out of his pack, put it down just off the dirt path, and filled it with bottled water. Abbie, wagging her knob of a tail, slurped the water. Dan gulped the rest of the bottle. He jogged in place while Abbie drank. He didn't want to get a leg cramp. He already had a brain cramp.
Abbie finished drinking and pawed his leg. He packed her bowl and set off again at a slower pace. He nodded to a speed walker coming toward them. Dan hadn't noticed if there'd been other runners or walkers during the first length of his run. His mind was totally concentrated on what Bella had said.
Could Bella be right about the timing for raising the topic of divorce? Bella was smarter than anyone he'd ever met, but she wasn't like other women. Bella could be wrong about what Jill might do. Hell, Bella didn't know anything about Jill. Not even her name.
When their affair began, they'd agreed to make it completely their own. They didn't talk about anyone beyond the two of them. He was secretly pleased that Bella was a widow. He didn't have to think about her marriage to a nameless man described only as someone who worshipped her but also didn't back down when Bella challenged him. Knowing someone else loved Bella almost as much as he did chaffed enough. He didn't need to know the man's name, profession, or nationality. He didn't exist. Dead of a vague cancer.
Bella showed no interest in Jill. Given Katie's age, Bella observed once that Dan had married a much younger woman. Beyond that, she didn't seem curious about Jill in the least. It was her suggestion that they not even exchange the names of their spouses.
Dan thought it would be easier to just say Jill's name. The topic of Bella's husband never arose, but in the course of making plans Dan sometimes had to refer to his wife. Yesterday's conversation was typical. Discussing Jill's trip with Bella was awkward when he considered Bella to be his soul mate. Wife sounded insignificant compared to what he felt for Bella.
Maybe he should postpone mentioning divorce to Jill. That would eliminate any risk of a change in plans. He'd chosen tomorrow in order to have a clear conscience to enjoy his weekend with Bella. Jill would know the marriage was over. Even if she found out he'd spent the weekend with Bella, it wouldn't matter. They were was on track to divorce.
“Heads up,” called a passing jogger. Dan and Abbie had drifted to the middle of the path. He still wasn't thinking clearly. He saw the end of his trail. Abbie raced ahead on her leash extension and automatically stopped at the end. Dan did some stretches. He didn't feel like going home yet so he walked to a more sedate section of the park with benches. He sat on a bench in the waning sun while Abbie lay across his feet.
Jill had to go to Charleston. There would be too many complications if she didn't. He and Bella had rented a small home in a wooded area he'd found online at one of those pet-friendly vacation home rental sites. Bella refused to stay with him in the house he shared with his wife and daughter. A rental with fireplace, sky lit bedroom, and Jacuzzi tub wouldn't hold any memories or distractions for either of them and give them the privacy a hotel couldn't. He'd lose the entire fee if he canceled this late.
He stood, spoke to Abbie, and started walking home. He'd stick with the plan. He and Jill would both go to work in the morning. Jill would work until noon. He'd come home at lunch and tell her. Then, they'd pick up Katie at school and he'd drop them off at the airport. He'd go back to work if for no reason other than to keep the excitement of seeing Bella to a simmer.
/> “Heard you're going to be a bachelor this weekend,” called a rail thin blonde just as he and Abbie turned into the neighborhood. How did she know that? Did Jill already know?
“Hi, Monika.” Dan did his best to sound casual when she caught up to him. He'd met this long legged woman who was slightly taller than he was a few times. She was Jill's biggest competition in the cycling club.
“Aren't you?” she persisted.
“What?” Abbie tugged at her leash. Home was in sight.
“Going to be a bachelor for the weekend with Jill and Kaitlyn out of town?”
Dan kept walking. “More like a workaholic. Installations are never as easy as they sound and the staff expects smooth going when they start work Monday morning.”
Monika stayed hot on his heels. “Where are you eating Thanksgiving dinner?” Nosy troublemaker. Surely, she wasn't going to invite her to join her.
“One of my colleagues has invited me to eat with her family.”
“A female colleague. How thoughtful.” She glanced sideways at Dan.
“It was. Jill and I sometimes play tennis with her and her husband. He's got a killer serve.” He picked up his pace, turned his back on the insinuating gossip, and called over his shoulder. “Happy Thanksgiving, Monika.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dan dressed quickly Tuesday morning and went downstairs to feed Abbie, let her dash outside and back, and make himself breakfast to go before Jill and Katie got up. He didn't want to have bon voyage sex with Jill that morning.
They'd had sex last night as he expected. It was their last night together before she returned late Sunday. He enjoyed sex with Jill. It just wasn't like what he had with Bella. Jill was a petite hard-bodied athlete who preferred quick, vigorous action. Their code name for sex was exercise. Last night, that's exactly how it felt—a short satisfying workout.
Making love with Bella was tantric. They'd explored each other's bodies for five years as teenagers and young adults. Everything was slow, languorous, and sensuous. Bella herself had toned womanly curves. He'd never seen a more beautiful woman's body. She looked barely older than when he'd last seen her at twenty-two. She still had the ability to make him climax without touching merely sitting or standing naked in front of him. He couldn't blame Jill for not being Bella. He just didn't want to have a repeat of last night, especially when it would be the last.
He was about to leave when he heard Katie pouring granola into a bowl. “Good morning,” he kissed the top of her head. In her school uniform of navy blazer and plaid skirt, she looked like a mini-Jill.
“Dad, why do teachers assign tests two days before Thanksgiving? I have an American Studies test and a biology quiz.” She sat at the table and started to eat. Dan reflexively handed her a banana and poured a glass of the fresh-squeezed orange juice he'd made for himself.
“Katie, it's precisely because it's a holiday that you're having tests. They want to make sure most of you show. You'll be absent tomorrow and so will a lot of other girls. I think American Studies sounds appropriate given that Thanksgiving is the first American holiday. You'll ace the biology quiz. You did study, right?”
She rolled her eyes. “Dad, it's like second grade biology. How am I going to get into vet school if they teach us baby biology until middle school? I'm in fifth grade and still getting quizzed on photosynthesis.”
She was certainly his daughter given her predilection for planning and preparation. She wanted to be a companion animal veterinarian and charted her academic path accordingly.
“Why are you leaving early?”
“This is a busy week for me. I'll come home at noon to make sure Abbie has some time outside before your mom and I will pick you up at school at exactly one forty-five, okay?”
She nodded. “Mom…”
“Has told her a dozen times to be ready,” said Jill as she walked into the kitchen. She took Dan's free hand. “Our plans are to meet here around noon for lunch, let Abbie out for a bit, and make sure the luggage is in the car so we won't be late to pick up Kaitlyn at….”
“One forty-five,” the three of them said in unison. Dan kissed Jill and fled to the office.
***
Dan couldn't concentrate on work after his regular morning conversation with Bella. He'd found a solution as to how to tell Jill about the divorce without risking her staying in Richmond. He'd written a letter to slip into the bag he'd check for her at the airport. She'd be in Charleston by the time she read it.
Bella's silence when he told her his idea meant she didn't like it. When pressed, she said she didn't have an opinion. It was his wife. His marriage. His divorce. He'd dropped the topic.
“I can't wait to be with you this weekend, Bella, but I do have to work tomorrow until noon. After that, I'm all yours.”
“I thought you already were,” she teased.
“Always and forever.”
“Don't forget I'm renting a car, Daniel. I'll wait for you at the house whenever you're free from work.”
“I'd like to be free right now, but knowing I'll see you tomorrow means everything. How will I recognize you?”
She laughed her Bella laugh. “I'll be the naked woman lying on a plush throw in front of the fire with a bottle of Cabernet and two glasses.”
He closed his eyes and envisioned ecstasy, but stopped himself. He had to work. “We'll talk tomorrow morning before you leave. Your flight's at nine, right?”
“Details, Daniel, details.”
Dan sighed and headed to a meeting that focused his attention on the system installation. By the time he looked at his watch, it was almost noon. He dashed out. “See you later this afternoon, guys. I've got to drive my family to the airport.”
When he pulled into his driveway, he saw Jill's car in the garage and Rob's car parked at an angle on the lawn. Something was terribly wrong.
“Hello,” he called as he entered through the kitchen.
“In here.” Jill was in the den. Impatient that some screw-up by Rob was going to ruin his plan to get Jill and Katie out of town on time, Dan strode into the room. Rob was slumped in a chair, his shirt unbuttoned and his tie loosened around his neck. He was sweating and making terrible noises. He looked like he'd had a seizure. Jill sat on the ottoman in front of him holding a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin. Her free hand was on Rob's knee.
Dan didn't know what to do. “Do I need to call 911? What's going on? Is he having a heart attack?” Why would Rob drive to his house to have a heart attack?
“Pour something stronger. Scotch, maybe?” said Jill.
Rob swallowed the aspirin with water. “Golf,” he croaked.
Jill looked un-nerved. “He just showed up about fifteen minutes ago and collapsed in the front yard. I helped him into the house. I don't know what's wrong. I called 911 and Suzanne. They should be here soon.”
Dan instinctively put his arms around Jill's small shoulders. He knelt on the floor next to Rob. “Do you have chest pain?”
Rob violently shook his head.
“Nausea? Do you need to throw up?”
The front doorbell rang and two burly EMS techs clomped through the house to the den off the kitchen. They maneuvered themselves between Jill and Dan to reach Rob. Jill left the room while they assessed Rob. Dan heard her on the phone in the kitchen speaking in calm precise tones.
A third EMS tech appeared in the doorway and asked to speak to Dan in the kitchen. “You're the brother?”
“Yes, younger.”
“Did he say anything?”
“Not to me. My wife was here first.”
“He said golf.” Jill went to Dan and wrapped herself in his arms. “I just got home from work and locked the car in the garage when Rob pulled up behind me. He sort of fell out of the car and waved his arms at me. He started walking toward me and collapsed on the lawn. He was conscious, so he was able to walk up the steps with my help.
“I'm certified in wilderness first response training. The two things I thought of were
shock and cardiac infarction. He doesn't have epilepsy or diabetes or allergies. I called you right away and gave him an aspirin. That's as far as we got.”
Dan had the feeling the tech was containing them in the kitchen. “What's wrong? Are you going to take him to the hospital?”
“I'm just here to get information. My colleagues are examining him. Does he have other family?”
“I called his wife and got voice mail. They had a one o'clock flight to Chicago to see their son and his fiancée for the holiday. Rob's a dentist, but he didn't have on his lab coat or suit jacket. He may have gone into the office for a few hours this morning. Something may have happened there.”
Suzanne came rushing through the back door. Jill had apparently opened the house for anyone to enter during the emergency. “What's going on? What's wrong with Rob?”
“Ma'am?”
Suzanne turned to the tech. “I'm Dr. Ramsay's wife, Suzanne. I got a text from Jill to come here ASAP. What's wrong with Rob? He felt fine this morning. Has there been an accident? I want to see him.”
One of the two techs who had examined Rob stepped into the kitchen. He looked serious and directed his comments to Suzanne. “He's in shock. We're giving him oxygen and IV fluids.”
“He's not having a heart attack? Are you taking him to the hospital?”
“No, ma'am, he's just in shock. We've made him comfortable. The three of you can speak to him, now. We'll stick around for a few in case you need us.”
Dan looked at the two women. Jill knew. Whatever medical training she had led her to a conclusion. Suzanne looked like Dan felt—clueless and helpless. Suzanne led them into the den.
Rob was lying on the sofa wrapped in a warming blanket. Tubing ran from his hand to an IV bag attached to a pole next to the sofa. Suzanne immediately perched on the sofa next to him and stroked his cheek. “Rob, you're going to be all right. You don't have to go to the hospital.”